Theta State NewsTheta State News

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International of New Mexico

Fa l l 201 5

Vo lume 5 6 , I s sue 3

President’s Page 2

Leadership 3

SW Regional 4-5

White Roses 6

Red Roses 6

Chapter News 7

Committee Communiqué

7

Registration Fall Meeting & Birthday Luncheon

8

Vendor Registration & Workshops

9

Inside this issue:

Are you ready for the School

Year? Then you will be ready for a

break. The 81st Theta State Birthday

Luncheon and Fall Meeting are just

what you will be looking for on

November 7, 2015.

The Executive Board meeting

begins at 8:00 a.m. All chapter

presidents, past Theta State Presidents,

and officers are members of the board

and should attend. Committee chairs

will give reports so that we can see the

progress of Theta State.

Between the meeting and the

workshops, you will be able to shop in

Calling Sisters to Attend the 81st Birthday Luncheon and Fall Meeting

the vendor area. Then, you will be able

to attend two workshops (they are

always exciting).

Courtney Custer, will be

speaking about the Roots of Empathy.

Courtney is the Director of

Communications for Southwest Family

Guidance Center. She holds a bachelors

degree in psychology and a masters

degree in counseling from the

University of New Mexico. Courtney is

a licensed mental health counselor and

is a member of the American

Counseling Association and the

National Board of Certified

Counselors. She has worked as a

therapist in schools and community

agencies with families, couples, and

children. Courtney currently serves as

the Roots of Empathy coordinator in

New Mexico. In this role, she handles

school involvement, stakeholder

contribution, volunteer recruitment, and

ongoing program support.

Of course, we will wish Theta State a

happy birthday! Gathering with sisters

from around the state is always

invigorating.

SEE YOU THERE!

Registration is on page 9

Leading Women Educators; Impacting Education Worldwide

Page 2 Theta State News

Susan Swope, Theta State

President

Women Teachers to the Calling. . .

Ring Ring….Hello…

Thank you for answering the call from your Theta State President. I have just a few things that I would like to share with you. First, if you are still teaching, I wish you a successful year filled with many memories and opportunities to touch the lives of your students. If you have finished your teaching career, I wish you success in all that you do.

We are working diligently to prepare for a wonderful Fall Birthday Luncheon and meeting. Please save the date and join us. The list of workshops has something for everyone. The CCC has planned an event where we can tend to the business at hand, enjoy a great meal with an outstanding speaker, and still have time to catch up with our fellow sisters from all around the state. Please send in your registration form found in this edition of the Theta State News.

New Mexico was well represented at the Southwest Regional Conference in Wichita Kansas this summer! The training for new state presidents was very informative. This was the first time I had to introduce myself as the state president and not the incoming president. It was one of those “ah ha” moments. The ladies in Kansas took very good care of us with wonderful meals,

excellent workshops, and plenty of time to meet new friends and reconnect with old friends. I encourage everyone to start saving their pennies. The next International Convention will be in Nashville, Tennessee, and then we will go to Hawaii for the next Southwest Regional Conference. If you have never been to a convention or conference, talk to the ladies who went and see just how much fun we had and get them to share what they learned at the workshops.

I have placed many calls in the last few weeks, and I am very grateful to all who have answered the call to service for Theta State. We have many new committee chairs, and I have contacted them to get everything going. Please help these chairs complete their tasks by joining their committees or completing what they ask of you. I truly believe that Delta Kappa Gamma is a great organization and, with a little work from each of us, we can continue to improve and accomplish our goals. My favorite teacher always told us that we get out of anything what we put into it, which may be one of the reasons why my favorite quote is from Thomas A. Edison. He says, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

I look forward to visiting each

of the chapters over the next couple of

years. Please contact me, and we can

work out a time when I can come for a

chapter visit. I want to see all the great

members of our state and learn about

what each of you is doing.

Until My Next Call…Goodbye Susie Swope

Theta State President

True Colors Gold - most of our leaders fall in this category, only a couple of greens & blues, only 1 orange (and her name begins with Yvette)

Page 3 Fall 2015

2015 Leadership - Successful Leaders Form a Team

Theta State officers and committee chairmen

attended the Leadership Seminar on May 29 – 30,

2015. Successful Leaders Form a Team was the theme for

the training. The seminar was held in Hobbs, NM.

Attendees participated in various activities,

workshops, and informative sessions. Nineteen

members from across the state attended. Those

attending obtained information, requirements and

duties of their various positions.

Along with the training, members enjoyed the

wonderful fellowship of their DKG sisters. A big

THANK YOU to Taylor Memorial Baptist Church

for the use of their facilities and the delicious meal

prepared by Joy Funderburk and others.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the

presenters, assistants, and the Leadership Committee

members: Kay Hannum and Yvette Moore.

Lonna Griffin

2013 – 2015 TS Leadership Chairman

2013-2015 Leadership Committee

Alpha Theta arriving (what most participants look like when they arrive)

Welcomers! Ginny learning her job from Jeannette

Lonna begins our Success Pyramid with a story.

Pyramid complete Terri Castillo & Gwen Hamilton collaborate

Not enough caffeine. Nearing the end for Sheri

Lots of learning - Notice that Shawna has the right answer.

Susie brings humor to the training

Front Row (L-R) Sheri Williams, Susan Swope, Gwen Hamilton, Ella Kelly; Second Row (L-R) Shawna Denny, Ina Jean Barnes, Dianna Valdez, Jeannette Vigil; Third Row (L-R) Yvette Moore, Diane Fesmire, Joe Clarkson, Deborah Fagan, Sharee Hanes, Ginny Hill; Fourth Row (L-R) Lonna Griffin, Christine Mitchell, Kay Hannum, Lissa Crombie, Terri Castillo

2015 Leadership Class

Page 4 Theta State News

2015 Southwest Regional - Wichita The 2015 SW Regional Conference in Wichita, Kansas was exciting, educational, and exceptional. We celebrated “85 Years and Beyond: Advancing Key Women Educators for Life”. We were welcomed to Kansas, the sunflower state and enjoyed wheat fields, flint hills, the beautiful Arkansas River, the old west cow town, and the bronze art statues along the streets leading the way to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center. We listened and were inspired by wonderful presentations at the general sessions. Dr. Justin W. Patchin talked about preventing and responding to “Cyberbullying”. For more information, please visit www.cyberbullying.us. Dr. Maureen Clemmons told her story of thinking outside the box. She developed a new theory that wind power and the use of kites could have been used to construct the ancient pyramids and how she has tested her hypothesis. Dyane Smokorowski, Kansas teacher of the year, talked about making meaningful connections with students and keeping “education real” for kids. Sandra Smith Bull spoke to us about Delta Kappa Gamma. “Are we a Sorority, Society, Social Club, or a Professional organization?” What do you think? Are we a little bit of all of these? What will be our legacy?

Ina Jean Barnes, member of the elected International Nominations Committee 2014-2017, was busy at the info-fair giving out information about nominations along with rose screen cleaners from Sweden for your cell phones. She invited members to have a fancy ice-water drink, meet and greet the DKG International President Dr. Lyn Babb Schmid, and have their picture made with her. Ina Jean gave the inspiration at the Birthday Luncheon “Celebrating our Milestones”. She presented at two breakout sessions on how to complete applications for International Nominations, Scholarship and Golden Gift Management Seminar. This was the first time ever; that several International Committees successfully presented together at one workshop. Amanda Matray participated in Paint the Town: Age 35 and under special event sponsored by Delta Kappa Gamma “Celebs”. The young Delta Kappa Gamma members were asked to share their art work at “Celebrating the Possibilities,” in the Third General Session. What a Conference! The winds of change began in Wichita and will continue to evolve and support

members’ needs. At the banquet, we celebrated in “Boots and Bling” and were entertained by a Southwest Regional talent showcase of music and dance. For the first time in my 40 years being in Delta Kappa Gamma, we did not conclude the event with the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma Song. It’s time to book your travel to the 2016 DKG International Convention at the Gaylord Opryland resort and convention center in Nashville, Tenn. See you there!

Ina Jean Barnes Psi Chapter, TS Corresponding Secretary

My trip to Wichita began in Granbury, Texas, for a few days before my mother and I embarked for The Sunflower State. My mom, Judy Renshaw, had broken her foot the day before I arrived, so we were challenged but undaunted! We drove to Abilene, Kansas to find my grandmother’s roots. From Abilene we drove to Hutchinson (Hutch), Kansas. We found every house my grandmother had inhabited in her hometown. We took a trip through the Strataca, the salt mine in which my great-

grandfather worked. With a wheel chair always available, the trip was a joy. While 650 feet below the surface, mom and I met other women touring Strataca. They were Delta Kappa Gamma sisters! After a lunch in Yoder, Kansas at the Carriage Inn (amazing home cooked Amish food), we finished our journey to Wichita and the SW Regional Conference. From A Taste of Kansas to the Boots and Bling Banquet, the Southwest Regional Conference was an informative and exciting event. Sixteen New Mexicans and their two guests networked with DKG sisters from around the Southwest region. Two New Mexicans attended the event for the first time. The Society honored Deb Feagan with a seat at a front table for being one of the recently initiated members to attend the conference. Ina Jean Barnes invited all who attended the InfoFair to take part in a “water tea”, receive information about International Nominations,

and have a picture taken with the International President, Dr. Lyn Schmid. Salethia Morris told us, “Although we are identified as key women educators, we are so much more than that….I challenge each of us to continue to be the risk takers that our founders were and to maintain integrity and wisdom in the face of adversity.” Lavon Hamblin’s daughter and my mother were adopted by Theta State! My mother commented that she thought teachers were haughty before she attended the conference. Now she believes that we are all the most wonderful women in the world. Most of the women she met thought she was a teacher or the sister of past Texas state president, Vicki Davis. Our sincerest thanks to all who wheeled her around the conference.

Yvette Moore Omega Chapter, TS Editor

Photograph courtesy of Photographs by Jim, Floresville, Texas

Page 5 Fall 2015

2015 Southwest Regional - Photo Gallery

Photograph provided by Jim Miller, Photographs by Jim, Floresville, Texas

NM at the Old Mill Tasty Shop. Photo taken by Mark Sevachko

Trouble-makers in the back

Sunflower & Boot table decoration

Joe Clarkson in the choir

Yvette Moore & Donna Miller ready for the banquet

Ella Kelly & 2nd Vice Presidents

Sharon Sevachko in a workshop

Photograph provided by Jim Miller, Photographs by Jim, Floresville, Texas

Front Row: (L-R): Sharon Sevachko, Dianna Valdez, Judy Renshaw, Pat Burnett, Susan Swope, Lavon Hamblin, Ella Kelly, Jeannette Vigil Standing Back Row (L-R): Yvette Moore, Gwen Hamilton, Terri Castillo, Deb Feagan, Amanda Matray, Gladys Hielkema, Joe Clarkson, Ina Jean Barnes, Kay Hannum

Here We Are

Sibyl Mitchell

Page 6 Theta State News

Red Roses

White Roses

“Be active. Stay ready for

constant change. Enjoy today.”

That was Sibyl Mitchell’s advice

to anyone, especially teachers, to

ensure a long, happy life and a

successful career. Her main goal

was to become a master teacher,

and that she did.

Sibyl graduated from West Texas State Teachers

College in Canyon, Texas, in 1945; and her first

teaching job was in the high school at Floydada,

Texas. She and her husband, Pres, were given the

responsibility of sponsoring the class of 1947-1950.

They accompanied the class on all their trips and

chaperoned at the proms. This class continued to

invite them to all of the their reunions throughout the

years. The last one Sibyl attended was the 59th.

Sibyl received her MA in Elementary Education

from the University of Indiana in 1958, and moved to

Albuquerque the same year. Pres became the first

director of KNME, and Sibyl began teaching 5th

grade at Montgomery Elementary. She retired in

1980 after having taught 22 years at Montgomery.

Sibyl joined Alpha Iota chapter in 1974 and

served in many positions including president. She

was also active in Theta State as chair of the

Scholarship Committee as well as the Red Chile

Committee and serving as a member of the Finance

Committee.

Sibyl traveled extensively all over the world and

was still on a bowling team at the age of 90. She lived

her own advice by staying active, taking change in

stride, and enjoying today. Her Memorial Service was

held at the First United Methodist Church in

Albuquerque.

Submitted by Alyce Cummins

Alpha Iota

2014-2015 Initiates

Gina Hartwick - Alpha Theta Jerolyn Wagner- Alpha Theta Nancy Hein- Alpha Theta Molly Marley- Alpha Theta Linger Stearns- Alpha Theta Candice Buckles- Alpha Theta Virginia Smith - Omega

Martha Deveneau, a member of AI

since 1974, was awarded 5 blue ribbons

at an Iris Show which was held last

Mothers’ Day in Albuquerque. Martha

has grown Irises for many years and has

won numerous ribbons of all colors, but this year was

different. All five of her entries won a blue ribbon,

and one of them placed second best of show.

Congratulations, Martha!

Alyce Cummins

Alpha Iota

Helen Posten

Helen Gertrude Abarr Posten died on August 3, 2015 at the age of 104 in Georgetown, Texas. Helen was the daughter of Theta State Editor, Jane Posten. She retired from teaching in the mid 70’s and moved to Santa Fe. Helen was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma and PEO. She served at the

state and national levels of both. Helen was president of Beta Chapter in 1978-80. Helen moved to Austin, Texas in the late 70’s to be with her daughter, Jane. Of late, she lived at the Wesleyan, a nursing home. She was an active member of Northwest Hills United Methodist Church. Helen was preceded in death by her daughter Jane. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Thanks to Ernestine Hagman, Beta Chapter for the information and picture

Page 7 Fall 2015

Omega CHAMPIONS

The April meeting for Omega was highlighted by

2 special events. Toni Hull presented a program

titled "Finding Time to Honor Your

Commitments". In her presentation, Toni mentioned

multiple ways to fulfill commitments including writing

down a goal and doing something to meet it daily, even

for a few minutes. The second highlight of the

meeting was the enjoyment of Freddie Olhausen-

Finkner's key lime pie (You had to be there)!

The initiation of Virginia

Smith occurred at the beginning

of the May meeting. Virginia

was surprised and delighted by

the attendance of her special

friend, Shawna Denney, Theta

State Recording Secretary from Kappa Chapter. The

year ended with a social/potluck, and YOU

GUESSED IT, more of Freddie's pies.

Sharon Sevachko

Omega Chapter President

Alpha Iota’s Program Planning meeting, held at

the home of Diane Bonnell, resulted in a variety of

ideas for our upcoming year. One innovative idea

was the “spontaneous meeting”. President Ann

Calderwood described this as a way for those

members who are unable to attend some scheduled

meetings to stay in touch with the other members.

They could call or e-mail their AI sisters to invite

them on a trip, to an exhibit at a museum, a good

movie or stage production, or just to enjoy a meal at a

new restaurant.

Diane Bonnell and Alyce Cummins have been

busy preparing for the start of the Alpha Iota

Marathon Bridge group in September. The members

will play each month, except December, through

April, 2016. This year, we are playing at a new venue,

the Elegante Hotel, and will have 28 regular players

and 7 substitutes. The AI Marathon Bridge group

originated in the late 1970’s and is AI’s principal fund

raising activity.

Our next meeting will be the traditional salad

supper with Sigma Chapter. Marilyn McGee, Sigma,

will host this event at her home on August 24.

Alpha Iota Chapter was designated the recipient

of contributions made in memory of Sibyl Mitchell.

We feel honored and very appreciative. The funds

will be used for scholarships.

Alyce Cummins

Alpha Iota

Alpha Iota News

Committee Chair Communiqué

Are you looking for a way to liven up your chapter meetings? What about adding a tune? If the sisters in

your chapter like to sing, you might have someone set the purposes to music and present the song in a

meeting. How about a Purposes Rap? You could also play the Delta Kappa Gamma song from the Internet

or from a CD.

If your chapter likes fine arts, you can take a tour of the DKG Fine Arts Gallery. Simply display the

gallery on a large television or screen. The address is https://www.dkg.org/content/dkg-gallery-fine-arts-0.

As you can see from the site, our members can submit work to the gallery for publication!

Gay Simpkins

TS Music Chair

MUSIC

Chapter News

Please keep Carol Kellerman in your thoughts and prayers. She has been admitted to the hospital after being found by her husband unconscious.

Page 8 Theta State News

81st Birthday Luncheon Executive Board Meeting, and Workshops

Theta State of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

Saturday, November 7, 2015 Courtyard by Marriott - 5151 Journal Center Blvd NE Alb. NM, US 87109

(505) 823-1919 Toll Free Reservations: 1-877.905.4496

Special Room Rates: $85.00+tax until October 23rd (Request Theta State Fall Event rates)

Registration Form Name

Home Address (Include St., Dr., Ave, etc NE, SE, NW, SW, Apt. #) City State Zip+4

Phone E-mail*

Chapter/Company Position

Guest(s) * Confirmation of registration will be sent via e-mail by October 30, 2015. If you do not receive confirmation by that date, contact Priscilla

Brower @ browerpr@hotmail.com (505-463-1838)

Birthday Luncheon with Courtney Custer “Roots of Empathy”

Cost: $22.00 Including tax and gratuity

Indicate Meal numbers: X $22.00 = $

Chicken Parmesan Mixed Green Salad with Assorted Dressings, Chicken Breast, Roasted Red Potatoes,

Vegetable Medley, Warm Rolls & Butter

Pasta Primavera Mixed Green Salad with Assorted Dressings, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables and Farfalle Pasta

tossed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cracked Pepper, Parmesan & Asiago Cheeses, Warm Rolls & Butter

Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake or Carrot Cake with Nuts and Coffee, Tea and Water

List dietary restrictions :

_______ Meal Total

_______ Workshop Fee

_______ Sub Total

_______ Late Fee DEADLINE: postmarked by OCTOBER 25, 2015 LATE FEE: $5.00

________ Total

_____ I understand that if I do not want my photo to be taken, it is my responsibility to remove myself from

photographs as they are being taken.

Workshop Registration Fee: $5 per person to attend all workshops Please send a form for each individual participant. **complimentary for 1 per chapter, presenters (1 per session)

Fill in your workshop choice(s) (See descriptions on Fall Event Information page.):

8:00-10:00 TS Executive Board Meeting

10:15-10:45 Workshop # 10:55-11:25- Workshop #

Please indicate if you are using a complimentary registration.

___1 Complimentary Workshop Registration for a chapter member to attend workshops.

___1 Complimentary Workshop Registration for: 1 presenter presenting at a session.

Make checks payable to CCC

Mail Checks and Forms to:

Priscilla Brower 3520 Jal Place NW

Albuquerque, NM 87120

Contact information:

Priscilla Brower, Fall Event Registrar,

browerpr@hotmail.com

Page 9 Fall 2015

Fall Meeting Workshops

Vendor/Exhibitor Registration Form

Theta State Fall Meeting & Birthday Luncheon Saturday, November 7, 2015

Courtyard by Marriott, 5151 Journal Center Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM Set-up time: 7:00 am Pre-Convention Hallway---Exhibit Time: 7:30 am - 11:45 am---Breakdown Time: 11:45 am

$35 Rental Fee for one six foot long, skirted table

Table Reservations due by October 21, 2015. Limited space...First come, first served!

Exhibitor/Vendor Form (Complete and send to address below)

Company & Contact Name: Address: (Include St, Dr., Ave., etc., NE, SE, NW, SW, Apt. #) City State Zip+4

Phone: E-Mail:

Exhibitors are welcome to purchase a luncheon meal for $22.00, including tax and gratuity.

_______ Meal Total Make check payable to CCC

_______ Rental Fee Mail checks and forms to Priscilla Brower _______ Total 3520 Jal Place NW Albuquerque, NM 87120

browerpr@hotmail.com

Contact Beverly Stern (beverlystern25@gmail.com) or 505-865-8146 for more information.

Time Workshop #1 Workshop #2 Workshop #3

10:15 - 10:45 A.M. Chapter Presidents - Get refreshed, and updated at this workshop given by Susan Swope and Terri Castillo

Treausrer’s - plan to attend this workshop with Dianna Valdez, so that you can be apprised of all the information you need for a successful year.

Craft - Join Sharon Sevachko for a “decorative” experience. Sharon will lead you in a craft experience. The craft is TBA

10:55 - 11:25 A.M. Celebrating Milestones and New Horizons in Your Chapter - Pat Burnett & Yvette Moore will give you ideas that you can take back to grow your chapter.

Craft - Join Sharon Sevachko for a “decorative” experience. Sharon will lead you in a craft experience. The craft is TBA

Deadlines:

Spring—Feb 10

Summer—May 10

Fall—Aug 10

Winter—Nov 10

RETURN ADDRESS:

YVETTE MOORE, EDITOR

3040 CHEYENNE DRIVE

LAS CRUCES, NM 8011-5269

T H E T A S T A T E N E W S

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

https://www.dkg.org/sitesdefaultfiles/files-for-download/golden_gift2014.pdf

December 1, 2015,

is the deadline to apply for the

2016 Leadership Management Seminar.

Ask a New Mexico recipient of the

Golden Gift for more information.

Jean Leonard

Carmen Tapia

Ina Jean Barnes

Dianna Valdez

Jeannette Vigil

Kay Hannum

Sheri Williams

Yvette Moore

Place Stamp Here